The video assistant referee (VAR) became part of the Laws of the Game in 2018 and was used at that year’s men’s World Cup in Russia. It now operates in most top leagues. VAR has corrected many clear mistakes, but it remains one of the most debated topics in the sport.
What VAR can review
VAR can only intervene in four types of match-changing situations:
- goals, including offside, fouls and handball in the build-up;
- penalty decisions;
- direct red cards (not second yellow cards);
- mistaken identity, when the referee cautions or sends off the wrong player.
Clear and obvious errors
The principle is “minimum interference, maximum benefit”. VAR should intervene only for a clear and obvious error or a serious missed incident. For subjective decisions, the referee usually goes to the pitchside monitor for an on-field review and makes the final call. For factual decisions, such as offside or whether the ball crossed a line, the VAR’s information can be applied directly.
Offside technology
Semi-automated offside technology, used at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and since adopted by several competitions, uses tracking cameras and a sensor in the ball to identify the moment of the pass and the positions of players’ limbs. It speeds up offside decisions and produces 3D animations shown to fans.
Why VAR divides opinion
- Delays: long checks interrupt the flow and dampen goal celebrations.
- Consistency: fans see similar incidents treated differently from week to week.
- Marginal offsides: goals disallowed for a toe or shoulder feel against the spirit of the rule to many supporters.
- Transparency: fans in the stadium often do not know what is being reviewed.
Some competitions have started letting referees announce VAR decisions to the stadium, an approach also used in other sports, to improve understanding.
Improving refereeing quality
Beyond technology, the quality of officiating depends on recruitment, training and support for referees: video analysis, fitness programs, clear guidance on interpretation, and protection from abuse, which drives many grassroots referees to quit. More referees at the grassroots level means a stronger pool for the professional game.
The Laws of the Game, including the VAR protocol, are published by the IFAB. VAR is one part of a wider trend explained in technology in soccer, and the most controversial law it enforces is covered in the offside rule explained.
